Description
Sicilian cannoli filling brings delightful creamy richness to this classic Italian dessert. Mascarpone, ricotta, and powdered sugar blend seamlessly for a smooth, authentic experience you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (375 g / 13.23 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g / 7.05 oz) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115 g / 4.06 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) milk
- 1 ½ cups (180 g / 6.35 oz) powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup (30 g / 1.06 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (80 g / 2.82 oz) mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2–3 tbsps milk or orange juice
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange or lemon zest
- Colored sprinkles
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
- Drain Preparation: Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture from ricotta cheese, ensuring a smooth, dense filling base.
- Sweetening Process: Gradually whisk powdered sugar into ricotta, creating a silky, lump-free mixture that forms the foundation of the cannoli filling.
- Flavor Enrichment: Delicately fold dark chocolate and orange zest throughout the creamy mixture, distributing ingredients uniformly to maximize flavor complexity.
- Aromatic Elevation: Introduce a subtle splash of marsala wine or vanilla extract to deepen the filling’s nuanced flavor profile and enhance its overall sensory experience.
- Textural Refinement: Gently incorporate candied citrus peels or chopped pistachios, adding delightful crunch and sophisticated aromatic layers to the creamy composition.
- Chilling and Flavor Melding: Seal the filling with plastic wrap directly touching its surface, then refrigerate for a minimum of one hour to allow flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Final Preparation: Stir the chilled filling briefly to reintegrate any separated liquid, then transfer to a piping bag with a wide tip for precise shell filling just moments before serving.
- Serving Recommendation: Consume filled cannoli within a few hours to preserve the delicate balance between crisp shell and luxurious cream filling, ensuring optimal taste and textural experience.
Notes
- Drain Ricotta Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture completely using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to prevent watery, runny filling that compromises texture and consistency.
- Whisk Sugar Meticulously: Incorporate powdered sugar gradually and whisk consistently to create a smooth, lump-free mixture that ensures a silky, uniform filling.
- Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate filling for at least one hour, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify, developing a more complex and rich taste profile.
- Fill Shells Strategically: Pipe filling into cannoli shells just before serving to maintain the perfect balance between crisp pastry and creamy interior, preserving optimal texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 292
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg